As a preteen, I used to tell myself constantly that fashion is subjective. One person might despise your furry pink leg warmers, while others will think you’ve started the next big thing. I haven’t shifted my views, but I have realized that my old favorite outfit—orange ski-pants and a white T-shirt with rainbow writing—just don’t match.

Since my tomboy T-shirt and baggy shorts days, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to style an outfit. Of course, working at Nordstrom helped as well.

A few fashion rules I try to follow on a daily basis:

1. Black flatters pretty much anybody.
2. Your hair-straightener can be your best friend.
3. When in doubt, plop on a few accessories to dress up your outfit.
4. Get advice from friends and family.

I still would not label myself trendy, hip, or any stylish adjective of the sort, but you don’t need to be any of those things to look good. Confidence is key, and the rest follows naturally.

Your outfit is a way to display your personality, so take advantage of it. An individual’s fashion sense is unique, just like a fingerprint. But it’s difficult to deny that new trends emerge every season, and some girls just seem to be born with the ability to put together an outfit in a few minutes, while others (myself included) need to think a little harder.

So here are various takes of what is in fashion this summer for teenage girls:




Crystal H.
23 years old
Warrenville, Illinois

Self-described style: Girlie rocker chick
Style icons: Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé
Fashion trends for the summer: Pencil skirts, open-toed ankle boots, leggings, spring jackets, and a good pair of sunglasses
Trend she’ll never follow: Big MC Hammer-style balloon pants
Favorite places to shop: Forever 21, H&M, Akira Chicago
Must-have accessory for the summer: Sunglasses and hats
Predictions for the fall: Lots of black and neutral colors

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Nicole P.
21 years old
Lincolnwood, Illinois

Self-described style: Punk girl
Style icon: Ashlee Simpson
Fashion trends for the summer: Chuck Taylor shoes (Converse); ripped jeans; loose, backless tops; short dresses; and a hair poof right above the forehead
Trend she’ll never follow: Long, flowing skirts
Favorite places to shop: Charlotte Russe, Bebe, Forever 21
Must-have accessory for the summer: Gladiator sandals
Predictions for the fall: More punk rock look; short, choppy hair (but she admitted she won’t be cutting hers)

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Brittany A.
23 years old
Libertyville, Illinois

Self-described style: Urban athletic, comfortable, and non-restricting
Style icon: Sienna Miller
Fashion trends for the summer: Summer dresses, printed patterns, purple and orange, black leggings dressed up with fun colors, long necklaces, dangly earrings and chunky vintage bracelets
Style she’ll never drop: Headbands
Favorite places to shop: Lori’s in Chicago, Nordstrom, Barneys, American Apparel
Must-have accessory for the summer: Wedged sandals
Predictions for the fall: Long halter dresses, high-waisted jeans, hobo style, bigger sweaters; and off-the-shoulder tops

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Alexandra L.
15 years old
Glenview, Illinois

Self-described style: Casual girlie
Style icons: Miley Cyrus
Fashion trends for the summer: High skirts and short dresses with belts, neon colors, prayer bracelets
Trend she’ll never follow: Crocs shoes
Favorite places to shop: Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Von Maur
Must-have accessory for the summer: Aviator sunglasses
Predictions for the fall: Skinny jeans with leg warmers, ’70s-inspired styles

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Nicole S.
15 years old
Lincolnwood, Illinois

Self-described style: Boho. At home she wears shorts and tank tops, and when she goes out, she wears summer dresses and skirts
Style icons: Selena Gomez
Fashion trends for the summer: Peace-sign earrings, prayer bracelets, high-waisted skirts, oversized purses
Trend she’ll never follow: Fishnet stockings
Favorite places to shop: Forever 21, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters
Must-have accessory for the summer: Neon-colored headbands and gladiator sandals
Predictions for the fall: Long sweaters with leggings

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Angie V.
19 years old
Lincolnwood, Illinois

Self-described style: It depends on her mood—one day it could be sporty; the next might be sophisticated business
Style icons: Lauren Conrad
Fashion trends for the summer: Dark nail polish, big rings, dresses that end right above the knee, bright orange, animal prints
Style she’ll never drop: Shirts with lots of color and prints
Favorite places to shop: Forever 21 and Express
Must-have accessory for the summer: Big studded earrings
Predictions for the fall: Chunky necklaces and neon colors PD

Sophia Venetos is a journalism major at Loyola University Chicago who enjoys writing, reading, and watching sports.